Jamaica wants hydropower, could build up to 30 MW

Hydropower is getting some attention from Jamaica, who recently identified 11 potential sites for development which could contribute around 30 MW to the renewable energy portfolio. In developing it’s roadmap for the next years, also known as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), Jamaica set aside a special component dedicated to hydropower as an alternate source of renewable energy. Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, said  “We have to ensure that we continue the drive to diversify our energy sector. We are known to be the land of wood and water and sun but we do not put in enough effort in capitalising on the potential of hydropower.” Wheatley was addressing stakeholders at a meeting for ESEEP, the Energy Security and Efficiency Enhancement Project, a $15m World Bank project to increase energy efficiency and security through the implementation of the country’s National Energy Policy. The six year project had three components: strengthening the regulatory and institutional framework, developing energy efficiency and renewable energy potential, and project management, monitoring and evaluation. 

Source